Across Moldova, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions are playing a key role in advancing the green transition by integrating sustainability into practical learning. Through the EcoImpact initiative, students and teachers are turning environmental ideas into hands-on projects that benefit both campuses and local communities.
Launched in spring 2025, EcoImpact has engaged 48 TVET institutions—nearly 60% of the country’s network—in testing and scaling green solutions. The initiative is part of a project led by the International Labour Organization, with support from the Austrian Development Agency and the Liechtenstein Development Service. It combines training, peer learning, and small grants to help schools implement environmentally sustainable initiatives.
Following an evaluation process, 11 projects were selected for financial and technical support. These projects focus on developing green infrastructure, launching training programmes, and building partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, and communities to address environmental challenges.
The initiatives demonstrate how education and innovation can drive real change. At TVET School No. 5 in Bălți, students are conducting energy audits and managing smart lighting systems to improve energy efficiency. The Polytechnic College of Bălți has established an EcoHub offering practical workshops on recycling, renewable energy, and biodiversity. Other projects include composting platforms in multiple regions to convert organic waste into fertilizer, rainwater harvesting systems that reduce potable water consumption, and student-led eco-enterprises producing sustainable products.
Additional efforts include the installation of waste-sorting stations at the Centre of Excellence in Construction and the introduction of a circular economy module at the Centre of Excellence in Economics and Finance. Altogether, the initiative has engaged more than 8,000 students, teachers, and community members, strengthening environmental awareness and green skills across six regions.
The achievements were celebrated at the EcoImpact Gala held on 17 March 2026 at Digital Park in Chișinău. The event brought together government representatives, development partners, educators, students, and community stakeholders to recognize progress and discuss how to scale green practices across the TVET system.
According to Vera Chilari, the initiative has demonstrated that empowering young people can lead to meaningful environmental change. Building on this momentum, the International Labour Organization and its partners plan to expand EcoImpact, supporting Moldova’s broader transition toward a sustainable and green economy.
